Published February 1, 2019
SAUGUS — Barbara P. (Geary) Rinfret, 89, of Saugus, formally of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, January 25, 2019 at her home.
Barbara was born in South Boston on October 31, 1929, one of seven children of the late Joseph J. and Barbara J. (Madden) Geary, who were originally from Ireland. She grew up in South Boston and enjoyed spending time going to Carson Beach in her youth. She graduated from Gate of Heaven High School and was employed by John Hancock Insurance until starting her family.
Barbara and her beloved Frank were married on May 3, 1952 at Gate of Heaven Church and settled in Melrose to raise their family of seven daughters.
A mother first and foremost, Barbara took great joy in her proudest accomplishment which was her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Active in their lives, Barbara attended many school and sporting functions. Time with her family was treasured.
Always on the go, Barbara was extremely active in the community. She was an Honorary Life Member of the Winthrop Yacht Club and loved going boating with the family. She also belonged to the Melrose Catholic Women’s Club, North Shore Old Car Club and “Book Club.” She loved to go out to lunch with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren naming this group “Ladies who Lunch.“
A talented ceramist, Barbara had her own studio in the lower level of her home, complete with kiln. She also enjoyed crocheting, loved to cook and was known for her fabulous beef stew and “secret recipe” pecan pie. She loved spending the winters with Frank at their home in Jupiter, Florida which they did for almost 40 years.
Barbara was an amazing woman and mother. Her warmth, kindness and sense of humor will be missed by her family and friends. She is now where she wants to be, with Frank, whom she missed terribly after his passing.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Frank P. Rinfret who passed away seven months ago and with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Patricia Milligan and her late husband James of Melrose, Francine Rinfret-Cronin and her husband David Cronin of Marblehead, Jeanne Rinfret of Malden, Denise Rinfret of Boston, Suzanne Rinfret of Somerville, Marie Rinfret of Winthrop, and the late Jacqueline Rinfret. Dear sister of Mary Mullen and her late husband Robert of Dennis, sister-in-law Michaela Geary of Florida, the late Joseph Geary, Theresa O’Connor, John Geary, her twin brother Coleman Geary, and Joan Slattery. Cherished grandmother “Mimi” of Frank Milligan, Joseph Milligan and his wife Jennifer, Peter Milligan and his wife Jennifer, Matthew Cronin and his wife Eve, Brianna Kolodny and her husband David, Courtney Cronin and her partner Owen Murphy, Timothy Cronin and his wife Nicole, Melanie Ebert-Winberg and her husband Eric, Alicia Ebert-Wyatt and her husband Peter, Otavia Tropeano, Bianca Tropeano, Elvio Tropeano, Alessio Tropeano, Xavieria Donovan and her husband Abraham, and Austin Silvestri. Loving great-grandmother of James, William, Noah, Oliver, Oisin, Caoimhe, Jonathan, Declan, Madison, Alexandria, and Cecily.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Barbara’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 4-8 p.m., and again on Friday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to the Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose for her funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
